When Stale Solbakken’s Norway host Jorge Jesus' Portugal at the Ullevaal Stadion this Sunday, a new UEFA Nations League campaign begins in League A.
Following their 2026 World Cup campaigns, both nations enter the Nations League with a mixture of established players and emerging talent.
With both squads beginning a demanding Nations League schedule, the spotlight also falls on their emerging young talent.
Striver.Football takes a detailed look at six exceptional young players under the age of 23, their verified statuses, and why they are among the players to watch during this weekend's Nations League clash.
Norway Young Players to Watch
Antonio Nusa (21)
Key 2026 Stats: 2026 World Cup squad regular | Averages 4.3 progressive carries and 3.2 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes for RB Leipzig.
Why Watch Him: The 21-year-old winger is one of Norway's most dangerous options in one-on-one situations.
Nusa's low centre of gravity and acceleration allow him to attack full-backs effectively from the left flank.
Against Portugal's aggressive defensive transitions, his vertical threat and ability to cut onto his preferred right foot could give Norway a way to stretch Portugal's defence.
Oscar Bobb (23)
Key 2026 Stats: 1 World Cup knockout cameo appearances | Completed a successful permanent club integration to Fulham.
Why Watch Him: The 23-year-old midfielder offers technical composure and the ability to find space between defensive lines.
Capable of drifting seamlessly inside from the right wing into half-spaces, Bobb's short passing can make him an effective link between midfield and attack.
His primary mission this Sunday will be pulling Portugal's double-pivot out of position to supply direct service for Erling Haaland.
Andreas Schjelderup (22)
Key 2026 Stats: Scored against England in the World Cup Quarter-Final | 89% short-pass completion rate for Benfica.
Why Watch Him: The technically gifted 22-year-old attacking midfielder-turned-winger plays with high spatial maturity.
Schjelderup excels at finding pockets between defensive structures, receiving on the half-turn, and threading delicate passes behind defensive lines.
His movement around the penalty area makes him a player Portugal's defence will need to monitor.
Portugal Young Players to Watch
Joao Neves (21)
Key 2026 Stats: World Cup regular starter | Rated as one of the premier defensive screening midfielders in world football.
Why Watch Him: At 21, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has become an important part of Portugal's midfield options.
Neves pairs supreme press resistance with relentless ball-winning tenacity, sweeping up second balls with ease.
His direct objective this weekend will be shadowing Norway's advanced playmakers and choking out transitional supply lanes before counter-attacks can materialise.
Francisco Conceicao (23)
Key 2026 Stats: 2026 World Cup alternative asset | Mainstay on the right wing for Juventus.
Why Watch Him: Nicknamed the "Pocket Rocket," the 23-year-old wide forward is a whirlwind of directness and explosive acceleration.
Conceicao thrives on running hard at defensive blocks, using razor-sharp body feints to execute crosses from the byline.
If Norway leave their left channel exposed during overlapping phases, his blistering pace can punish the hosts instantly.
Renato Veiga (23)
Key 2026 Stats: Logged a complete 90 minutes in the World Cup knockout stage | Contracted with Villarreal.
Why Watch Him: The physically imposing 23-year-old defensive specialist brings rare tactical elasticity to Roberto Martínez’s blueprint.
Equally comfortable anchoring the left side of a back three or stepping forward as a traditional defensive pivot, Veiga’s recovery pace and aerial dominance are could help Portugal deal with Norway's physical attacking threat.
What Young Players Can Learn From Norway vs Portugal
Exploiting Isolation Wide: Players like Antonio Nusa and Francisco Conceciao show how exceptional 1-v-1 dribbling intelligence and explosive acceleration can completely destabilize compact defensive blocks.
Spatial Disruption in Midfield: Players like Oscar Bobb highlight the importance of finding space between the lines and moving defenders or midfielders out of position to unlock central scoring channels.
Defensive Versatility and Elasticity: Renato Veiga's profile highlights the value of defensive versatility and the ability to adapt to different roles.
